Why is buying a house in La Virginia so special? Often, when we think about buying a property in Marbella, we get carried away by square metres, panoramic views or modern lines. However, there is a place where value is not measured in surface area, but in history, art and sensations. We are talking about La Virginia, a residential development that is not just a collection of houses, but an enclave that preserves the soul of Marbella in its purest form.

There are iconic developments in Marbella, but few preserve the Andalusian soul as intact as La Virginia. This residential complex, designed by architect Donald Gray in the 1960s, was conceived as a small white village set among gardens, squares with fountains and orange trees, and narrow streets that invite you to stroll around at a leisurely pace. Here, each house is different: irregular façades, balconies with bougainvillea, handcrafted railings and corners that seem to stop time. It is this character, rather than the square footage, that explains its value.

An oasis designed by Donald Gray

The development was designed in the 1960s by visionary architect Donald Gray, who received the prestigious Rafael Manzano Award for New Traditional Architecture in 2015. Gray shunned high-rise, mass construction in favour of creating a refuge on a human scale. His aim was to replicate the essence of Andalusia’s “white villages”, drawing inspiration from the vernacular architecture of the Genal Valley.

As experts are well aware, La Virginia (together with Las Lomas Pueblo) is the only place in Marbella where this traditional Andalusian architecture is preserved with such fidelity. In fact, the historical and artistic value of the complex is such that the City Council is considering listing it to protect its uniqueness.

Marbella publicly recognised Gray’s contribution to enriching the local artistic heritage with a complex that is now cited as an outstanding example of traditional Andalusian architecture.

More than just a housing development, a lifestyle

Entering La Virginia means leaving behind the noise and asphalt. As you stroll through its cobbled streets — as narrow and welcoming as those of an old village — you forget about your car and your watch.

The true luxury here lies in the details that make up its unique atmosphere:

The squares: meeting places adorned with whispering fountains and orange trees that perfume the air.
The chapel: few housing developments can boast their own chapel, a symbol of community and tradition.
The gastronomic charm: the area hides gastronomic gems and picture-postcard corners lit by antique lanterns that create magical nights.
It is the setting for events as endearing as its famous Christmas market, which Living traditions attracts visitors every December in search of that homely warmth that is lacking in modern buildings.

A ‘village’ within the Golden Mile

Strolling through La Virginia means discovering hidden squares, antique lanterns, a charming chapel and picture-postcard corners. The specialised press describes it as an enclave where you can dine among jasmine flowers, chat in the cool air and live at a different pace, away from the noise without giving up the privileged location in Marbella.

Even at the urban planning level, its design has received institutional attention for its uniqueness within Marbella’s contemporary heritage, reinforcing the idea that we are not just talking about a beautiful place, but a cultural asset with a unique layout.

Buying a piece of history

Sometimes our clients are surprised by the size of the properties in comparison to their price. Our response at Inmobiliaria Nevado is always the same: in La Virginia, every house is unique.

No two properties are the same. Every corner has its own particularities, its charming imperfections and its own personality. Living here means owning a piece of Mediterranean urban history, a privilege that is becoming increasingly rare.

An invitation to discover it (the right way)

Charm is not measured in square metres, but in experience: waking up to the scent of orange blossom, meeting neighbours in the square, attending the chapel or enjoying the Christmas market, a tradition that reinforces the sense of community.

In La Virginia, every house is unique. No two properties are the same. Every corner has its own characteristics, its charming imperfections and its own personality. Living here means owning a piece of Mediterranean urban history, a privilege that is becoming increasingly rare.

The Nevado team invites you not to judge La Virginia by its paved exterior access roads. To understand its magic, you have to walk around it. You have to lose yourself in its squares, listen to the water in its fountains and feel the tranquillity of its whitewashed walls.

If you are looking for a standard house, this is not the place for you. But if you are looking for a home with soul, a peaceful retreat and an investment in art and culture, come and visit La Virginia with us. We promise that, after the walk, you will understand the incalculable value that lies behind each door.

Why its price is justified beyond its surface area

La Virginia does not compete on square metres, but on character. Aspects that increase the value of this beautiful development:

Real scarcity: few units and high demand for authentic products, increasingly sought after following the boom in modern homes with straight lines.
Heritage and uniqueness: a recognisable complex valued for its aesthetic coherence.
Strategic location: tranquillity without sacrificing Marbella town centre, the Golden Mile, the beach and amenities.
Quality of life: pedestrian scale, plaza life and community.
Long-term value retention and a residential experience that transcends the floor plan.